TESTING & SAMPLING

Laboratory testing capabilities

The analytical services performed by Doble’s Materials Laboratories provide you with the accurate information you need to intelligently diagnose any existing and potentially devastating problems in your liquid-filled equipment. Compared with the cost of premature or catastrophic failure, regularly scheduled oil testing is a cost-effective and sound maintenance practice that is used to extend the life of your transformers and circuit breakers. Doble Laboratory can provide paper and oil testing in the areas listed below.

Dissolved Gas Analysis

Dissolved Gas Analysis is the single most important test performed on oils from transformers. As the insulating materials in a transformer break down due to thermal and electrical stresses, gaseous byproducts are formed. The byproducts are characteristic of the type of incipient-fault condition.

Furanic Compounds In Oil

As the cellulosic insulation in a transformer ages, oil-soluble byproducts of the cellulose chain called furanic compounds are produced. High concentrations of 2-furfural, the predominant compound, are a clear indication of cellulose degradation, as this is the only type of material in transformers that yields this byproduct. When cellulosic materials are exposed to extreme temperatures, which results in charring, furanic compounds can be destroyed and the carbon oxides may be the only byproducts remaining in significant quantities. Experience is required in evaluating the furanic compound data, as there are factors such as type of insulation preservation/oil expansion system, type of conductor wrapped insulation, family of transformer and treatment of the oil or the transformer, which can influence the interpretation. Tests for furanic compounds should be performed initially for all power transformers (to have a baseline), for important or older transformers, when high carbon oxides are generated, for highly loaded transformers and when other tests indicate accelerated aging.

Water in Oil Analysis

The dielectric breakdown voltage of insulating material is a function of the water content. The water migrates between the solid and liquid insulation in a transformer with changes in temperature. The water content is reported in parts per million and percent of relative saturation.

Degree of Polymerization

The degree of polymerization (DP) test is another means for assessing insulation aging. This test is performed on paper samples. The DP test provides an estimate of the average polymer size of the cellulose molecules in materials such as paper and pressboard. Generally, paper in new transformers has a DP of about 1000. Aged paper with a DP of 150-200 has little remaining mechanical strength, therefore making windings more susceptible to mechanical damage during movement, particularly during extreme events such as through-faults. As insulation aging in transformers can be uneven due to thermal, moisture, oxygen and byproduct concentration, gradient samples from various locations are needed to provide the best diagnosis of the overall insulation condition.

DP testing is recommended in these cases:

There is other evidence of very accelerated aging of the insulation

The transformer is > 20 years old and an internal investigation is being performed

For condition assessment of older transformers for possible refurbishment

When a partial rewind is being considered

To assess cause of failure

For condition assessment of insulation when purchasing a service-aged transformer

To assess the condition of a transformer after an extreme overheating event

Oil Quality Screens

Once in service, the dielectric liquid should be tested periodically to make sure it retains its important properties such as good dielectric breakdown voltage, low acidity and no sludge formation. The rate of deterioration of the insulating oil should be relatively slow. Accelerated aging may indicate an equipment or operating problem. The Doble Laboratory offers a number of Package Screen Tests to suit your testing needs for new and service-aged insulating liquids. We are equipped to perform a comprehensive set of purchase specification tests, such as those for the Doble Transformer Oil Purchase Specification (TOPS) or ASTM D 3487 for new mineral oils. A variety of Package Screen Tests are available for testing of in-service oils. Let us help you select the one most appropriate for your equipment and purposes. We can also tailor a package for your requirements or perform individual tests.

Metals-In-Oil

There are two types of metal-in-oil tests commonly done on insulating oil:

Wear Metals: Pumped cooling systems are susceptible to bearing wear, which when excessive can create metal particles which are harmful to the insulation system. To detect such problems, an oil sample is filtered and the particles are analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy for excessive amounts of copper, lead, zinc and iron.

Dissolved Metals: The high temperatures of some incipient fault conditions will cause the amount of dissolved metals associated with the problem to increase along with the dissolved gases in oil. Comparison of the metal-in-oil content with baseline values before the occurrence of the incipient fault condition can help locate the source of the gassing and the problem.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are highly regulated, therefore insulating liquids that may contain PCBs should be tested to ensure proper handling and disposal. Doble offers a testing service to quickly and accurately quantify the amount and determine the type of PCBs present in various insulating liquids, solids or other materials such as soils. The Doble Laboratory is certified by the State of Massachusetts Department Of Environmental Protection. Ask about our extensive quality assurance program. International customers, please note that federal regulators prohibit the importation of oil samples with known PCB. We are unable to accept in-service oil from overseas that needs PCB testing or is known to contain any detectable quantity.